To promote the appropriate use of antibiotics
-To avoid unnecessarily long courses
-to prevent the emergence and propogation of antimicrobial resistance
-to minimise the risk of Clostridium difficile infection

Antimicrobial Prescribing Guidelines - Primary Care

Antimicrobial Prescribing Guidelines - Adults Summary

Treatment          Surgical Prophylaxis
Bone & Joint Infections     Rationale for Prophylaxis
CNS Infections          Gentamicin Prophylaxis Dosing
Endocarditis          Cardiology Procedures
ENT Infections           General Surgery
Eye Infections                          Head & Neck Surgery
& Orbital Cellulitis               Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Gastrointestinal Infections   Orthopaedic Surgery
Genital Tract Infections     Urological Surgery
Respiratory Infections
Sepsis
Skin & Soft Tissue Infections
& Diabetic Foot Infections
UTIs
ED Supplement - Cellulitis

Antimicrobial Prescribing Guidelines - Paediatrics
Treatment
Orbital Cellulitis Guidelines
Neonatal sepsis - dosing chart
Neonatal sepsis guidelines (with meningitis)
IV antibiotic doses used on SCBU - quick reference guide
IV antibiotic doses in children from 1 month to 16 years - quick reference guide

Penicillin Allergy
For guidelines for prescribing in patients with documented allergy to penicillins, click here.

Dose Recommendations
- The doses recommended in the guidelines are for guidance ONLY.
- For elderly/renally-impaired patients, consult current BNF, ward pharmacist or Medicines Information (Ext: 3084)

Antimicrobial Medicines Code
- The Antimicrobial Medicines Code sets out the roles and responsibilities for healthcare professionals involved in the prescribing, supply and administration of antibiotics.
- The full version of the Antimicrobial Medicines Code can be found by clicking here
- Summary of Prescribing Standards (Section 3)
   - Is an antimicrobial indicated?
   - Ensure appropriate specimens are taken prior to starting therapy.
   - Choice of antibiotic should be based on local guidelines.
   - Include the duration (or review date) and the indication for treatment on the prescription chart
   - Review the need for antibiotics regularly, including switching from IV to PO treatment, according to the policy. Click here for details of the IV to PO Switch Policy.

OPAT Registration Form and Pathway

Microbiology Investigations
When ordering microbiology investigations please give relevent clinical details. The ways in which specimens are processed, the interpretation of the results and reporting of antimicrobial susceptibilities will vary to a very great extent, on the clinical details given.

CIVAS order form